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Skin penetration operators' knowledge and attitudes towards infection control
Aurmporn Oberdorfer1, John H Wiggers, Robyn J Considine
1School of Medical Practice and Population Health, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Australia.
American Journal of Health Behavior
|March 18, 2003
Summary
Owners/managers of skin-penetration businesses show gaps in infection control knowledge and practices. Improving compliance presents a significant opportunity for public health and safety.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infection Control
- Occupational Safety
Background:
- Commercial skin-penetration premises play a role in disease transmission.
- Effective infection control is crucial to prevent healthcare-associated infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of owners/managers in commercial skin-penetration businesses concerning infection control.
- To identify areas for improvement in infection control practices within this sector.
Main Methods:
- A telephone survey was administered to a random sample of 874 owners/managers.
- Data collection focused on awareness of disinfection, sterilization, and overall compliance.
Main Results:
- A significant deficit in knowledge regarding essential infection control practices was observed.
- Less than 39% demonstrated correct knowledge of disinfection procedures.
- Awareness of inappropriate sterilization procedures varied widely (12%–67%).
Conclusions:
- There is a substantial need and opportunity to enhance infection control compliance among operators in skin-penetration industries.
- Most participants recognized the importance of guidelines and regular checks to improve practices.